Del. Ward Armstrong makes a statement abut electric utility rates. See entire statement below.
Make no mistake, the electric utility industry is the most powerful lobby in Virginia. When my bill to return Virginia to utility regulations that had kept our rates among the lowest in the country passed a House subcommittee last year, the suits quickly descended on the Capitol. Within 24 hours the politicians were repeating power company talking points to defeat my bill.
Unfortunately, even the Attorney General, who is elected to stand up for the interests of citizens and consumers of the Commonwealth, is now repeating the same power company spin that we heard during session. And we've already heard area politicians trying to spin recent rate increases as "good news."
Last week the Attorney General made several statements nearly identical to those made by the electric utility companies, including arguing that the 2007 law was not the cause or a primary factor in Appalachian's recent rate increases. The fact is that APCo has successfully raised rates 7 different times under the 2007 law.
Read my entire statement on the misleading information being spread by the power companies and politicians.
But even though the electric utility industry is the most powerful lobby in the state, the politicians still work for you. I am committed to continuing this fight until we fix this problem and truly help the families and businesses across Virginia who are struggling with high electric rates; but I need your help!
Here's how you can help.
1. Write a letter to your local newspaper.
The power companies and politicians need to know that the citizens and businesses of Virginia know the facts and are not going to accept their excuses and misleading spin.
By writing a brief letter to the editor of your local newspaper you can share your views and share the facts with your friends and neighbors.
2. Contact your representatives in the General Assembly
Your representatives in the General Assembly must know that they can’t just repeat the power company talking points and go to Richmond and vote against the people who elected them.
Contact your representatives today and tell them that they need to protect our families and our local businesses that are trying to keep and create new jobs; and they must support real regulatory reform of the electric utility industry in Virginia.
Click here to find out who your State Delegate and Senator are and how to contact them.
3. Share your Story
Visit my website at www.noapcoratehikes.com and click on the link to Share Your Story on how rising electric rates have impacted you and your family.
I hope you will help me in this effort. Together we have the power to fight the Power Company.
Thank you,
Ward Armstrong
